Walgreens recognized as innovator in health care

DEERFIELD, Ill. – Walgreen Co. has been named as one of the health care industry's most innovative companies by Fast Company Magazine.

Walgreens said Monday that it was the third time in four years it has earned the recognition, part of the business publication's "World's Most Innovative Companies" issue.

The drug chain cited its leadership and innovation in such areas as community pharmacy, led by its "Well Experience" store format; its mobile applications and online tools to help people manage their health; and its public-private initiatives with organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to improve access to health care services and foster stronger patient-pharmacist relationships.

"Against the backdrop of an increasingly challenging and changing health care environment, innovation is critical to the development of programs, services and other tools that can help people get, stay and live well," Kermit Crawford, president of pharmacy, health and wellness at Walgreens, said in a statement. "We're proud to again be recognized by Fast Company as one of the most innovative companies in health care, and thankful to have a great team that's focused on finding new and different ways to improve our customers’ health and the communities we serve."

In Walgreens' Well Experience stores, pharmacists are situated in front of the counter to provide more patient counseling, offer clinical services and answer questions. And last year, the drug chain added its Pill Reminder mobile app and expanded its mobile prescription refill and transfer capabilities. It also launched the "Find Your Pharmacist" tool that enables customers to select a pharmacist by matching their health care needs with the areas of expertise, specialties, languages and clinical backgrounds of Walgreens' pharmacists.

Also in 2012, the pharmacy retailer worked with the CDC to develop a pilot program to connect more people to HIV testing and counseling from specially trained Walgreens providers. The company, too, launched a medication therapy management model with HHS to provide more insight into the impact of the patient-pharmacist relationship on health outcomes for HIV patients